Oswaldo reading the Le Monde (appropriately) headlines on COP21 |
Hi,
Is the point about blogs is that they are written at or just
after the time of action? If so, slight apologies (wifi & time issues). I am covering 48 hours,
& more words too. At least you will
know that I haven’t been hit on the head by a tear gas shell or truncheon, or
locked up with 174 demonstrators yesterday.
I was heartened that on the French TV news that the violence was not
first on but the arrival of world leaders and the at least two degree limit we
all hope will be held. I wonder how UK
media covered it? There were a small band of anarchists who were ideologically
against even COP21 and threw things at the perpex-shielded police, bulging ‘Michelin men’ in shiny black body armour and full helmets. The other 5-10,000 people seemed totally unthreatening,
you didn’t have to be brave or foolish to be there, and there was a fabulous
atmosphere of solidarity– but first just want to return to Saturday events.
Feared it was a bit male bishop dominated (however just noted Muslim lady) but... |
1,780,000 signatures for Climate Action |
Following that service we met in a large nearby hall where,
my heart slightly sank to see a row of purple-robed all-male bishops amongst
others on the stage but at least from all over the globe, and with a female MC. But it was an inspiring event as it
unfolded. Some orator (possibly
Hollande’s special spokesman for COP21?) gave a fantastic tour de force
speech. ‘The economic system must change,
not the environment’ gives you a flavour though not exactly his slogan. But the star of the show was undoubtedly the
diminutive Costa Rican Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Her short speech encapsulated the spirit of
togetherness and determination. While
the bishops held up the figures for 1.78 million signatures on the petition for
climate action, ‘WE CAN, WE WILL AND WE MUST!’
Then a young female popstar (probably?) with a heavy backing
beat sang a song of the climate. The
tallest African bishop grabbed Christiana’s hand and started dancing and soon
all of them on stage were doing it!
Dancing breaks out - Christiana Figueres with large African on left |
Our group were given posters. Very well organised |
On Sunday, we were excited but a little apprehensive about going to the
boulevard just south of Republique to join in the Human Chain – along the entire route of the cancelled march. We
were not sure what the police attitude might be. Groups greater than 9 were
apparently not allowed in the state of emergency. But it was a wonderful occasion!
Place de la Republique |
It was an animal-themed demo |
The theme was the animal kingdom and many had come well
prepared. Oswaldo was in his element and
even interviewed by a TV station (more pics in his own blog).
At the signal we all linked hands and sang
and made as much noise as possible.
Then we ambled up to Republique to deposit a shoe to add to
the collection which represented those who could not be there to march. But the shoes had been removed. The square was ringed across all roads by the
tough black police forces so there was a darker mood and many disparate groups
marching or milling around. It was
interesting but felt like a pot which might boil over at any moment. After 15 minutes we headed out and found a
small lovely little café for a warm café, quiche and gateau.
And that was the last I saw of the lovely group because I
had to get the cards to Dan from Pole-to-Paris and never managed to reconnect back
in a church in the eastern suburbs in time!
Dan had cycled 10,000 miles from New Zealand starting in
April. His knee gave up 30 km from Paris
but he made it with one leg doing all the pedalling. As well as having a large display of the postcards
at Le Bourget Airport where COP21 is taking place, P-to-P will be presenting
the cards to one of the most powerful women in the UN, ex-prime-minster of New
Zealand.
Then onto relatives in a suburb for a bit of warmth and
pampering and decent Wi-fi overnight. I
am now trying to find a boat which will be able to cross the channel in force
10 winds heading for Caen where the boats are bigger and more likely to sail.
We were holding hands just outside Bataclan theatre where so
many died on 13th November just 2 weeks ago. I cannot leave the blog without showing some
of this, much harrowing but also moving and with hope. Solidarity.
‘Fluctuar nec mergitur’ was in many places and I had to ask some French
people what it meant. It’s the Latin motto
over the Paris Mairie. ‘ Rocking (as in
a boat) but never sinking’. It is
important right now for France that COP21 is seen as a successful event to
cancel out some of the hurt, to feel themselves again.
I have very much enjoyed doing my first blog ever, and then
Oswaldo’s blog which has been marginally more followed than mine, up to now both over 700
page views, so the aim of bringing more people into the challenge and this
particular COP21 seems to have been somewhat successful.
I will do another Oswaldo blog so 9 as well as 8 for schools
but this is my last adult one. If you
have found it worthwhile or have suggestions for improvement in the future or
if you’d like to know more please send in a ‘comment’ at the bottom of the
blog. Carolyn of Climate Stewards also
on our cycle pilgrimage (one of the 8 new friends made in a short time) will
continue to blog on:- www.climatestewards.org/blog/category/cop21
Finally, Joan Mc Gavin’s Poem, on seeing those postcards.
Poem for the
Paris Summit and local schoolchildren:
Look out for the
Earth as you would
a good friend –
one whom you value highly.
It’s not an old
umbrella you could
use and neglect,
that bends and breaks
in the wind, to
be tossed away.
It can’t be
replaced at the drop
of a hat. It’s
special and caring -- so play
and spend time with
it. That’s friendship!
Thank you Joan.
Thank you all of you for getting this far!
Mark